Three Dallas Companies Make Best Managed Companies List

Three Texas-based companies were recognized by Deloitte and the Wall Street Journal in its inaugural class of the United States’ Best Managed Companies. The Texas honorees—Associa, The Beck Group, and Topgolf—share other common traits: all three are headquartered in Dallas and are members of the Dallas Regional Chamber. Dallas was one of only two cities to have multiple companies selected, and the only city to have more than two.

The inaugural cohort of 27 U.S.-based companies joins hundreds of private companies around the world that have earned the prestigious designation. To assess their management skills and practices, applicants are evaluated across four categories: strategy, execution, culture, and financials.

Associa sees the recognition as the culmination of its eight-year strategic plan, Vision 2020. Developed in 2012, the plan sought to transform the company from a collection of acquisitions into a cutting-edge, unified enterprise with a focus on leveraging industry-leading technology to develop a more efficient business model, establishing a world-class brand, and offering best-in-class training and development.

A few projects stand out as critical to the success of Associa’s strategic plan. In 2012, Associa developed an industry-first Client Shared Services Center to provide a safer accounting platform and ensure long-term fiduciary protection for its clients despite short-term revenue and retention risks. Around the same time, the company launched “Associa University,” an award-winning learning and development program with more than 1,000 internal course offerings. These projects, alongside the broader strategic plan, have been supported through partnerships to develop ground-breaking technology to improve operational efficiency and better the client experience.

“Associa is positioned for a very bright future,” said John Carona, Chief Executive Officer of Associa. “The efficiencies and services unlocked by our investment in employees and technology have positively impacted organic growth. All of these accomplishments and more have led to the recognition of being a Best Managed Company, and we are clearly ready for what lies ahead.”

The Beck Group, founded in 1912, is one of the largest design-build firms in the United States. Comprised of a collaborative team of designers, builders, and technology experts, the firm offers planning, architecture, construction, interior design, sustainability, and technology consulting services across a variety of market sectors, including education, aviation, mixed-use and retail, and health care.

Beck provides a unique approach to projects that transforms the way organizations design and build through its pioneering use of mainstream and emerging technologies, and integration of the architecture and construction processes.

“Earning a spot on this list of well-respected and well-known companies is such a rewarding achievement,” said Fred Perpall, Chief Executive Officer of The Beck Group. “We are passionate about the work we do, and acknowledgment from the U.S. Best Managed Companies program cements the strategy, execution, financial, and cultural practices we have put in place.”

Topgolf, a pioneer of the sports-entertainment industry, has a proven track record of innovation and industry leadership. As of 2019, the company has engaged 22 million guests across 60 countries, revolutionized golf viewing and driving range experiences through its Toptracer technology, provided virtual entertainment through a licensed simulator and online golf game, and even developed original video content through Topgolf Studios.

“At our core, we champion a dynamic culture, and work hard to motivate and retain talented associates who fuel the success and growth of our company,” said Dolf Berle, Chief Executive Officer of Topgolf Entertainment Group. “I continue to be inspired by our team members and leaders across the company who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to Topgolf, even in the face of adversity and challenging times. Without them, this honor would not be possible.”

To be eligible for the recognition, companies must:

Be headquartered or incorporated in the United States
Have a minimum annual revenue of $250 million (private and portfolio companies)
Have a minimum of $20 billion in assets under management or committed capital, which cannot be the combined revenue of portfolio companies (investment management firms, private equity firms, venture capital firms, or family offices)

A version of this story first appeared on the Dallas Regional Chamber site. Dallas Innovates is a collaboration of D Magazine Partners and the Dallas Regional Chamber.